Every way into China.

The L visa is issued to foreign nationals travelling to mainland China for tourism. Each entry usually permits a stay of 30 or 60 days; validity ranges from a single entry up to multiple-entry visas valid 5 or 10 years for nationals of certain countries (e.g. the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and Israel). Since January 2024 the consular requirement to submit round-trip tickets, hotel bookings, itineraries or invitation letters has been removed for most tourist applicants. The L visa does not lead to a residence permit or permanent residence and is for short visits only. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate (USD 140); nationals of most other countries pay USD 23 single / 34 double / 45 (6-month multiple) / 68 (12-month-plus multiple), and certain reciprocal rates differ. An expedited service (about 3 business days) is available for an extra fee.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

60 days

Validity

90 days

Nationals of 55 eligible countries (as of 2025) may transit through mainland China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) when holding valid travel documents and onward interline tickets with confirmed dates and seats to a third country or region. Entry and exit must be through one of the 65 designated ports across 24 provincial-level regions; travel is generally restricted to the relevant province/region(s). Permitted activities are tourism, business, exchange and family visits; work, study and news reporting are not allowed and require an appropriate visa with prior approval. This is a visa-free transit facility, not a visa, and does not lead to a residence permit. Travellers should verify their nationality, port and zone eligibility before travelling.

Government fee

$0

Processing time

0 days

Max stay

10 days

The M visa is issued to foreign nationals intending to travel to mainland China for commercial and trade activities, such as meetings, negotiations, trade fairs and supplier visits. It is granted as single, double or multiple entry; multiple-entry M visas can be valid up to 10 years for nationals of reciprocity countries (e.g. the United States), with a typical duration of stay of 30 to 60 days per entry. The core supporting document is an invitation or commercial-activity letter from a Chinese trade partner, following the standard invitation-letter format with the inviting party's official seal. The M visa is a short-stay business visa and does not authorise employment or lead to a residence permit; foreigners taking up paid work in China require a Z work visa. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates (commonly USD 23 single).

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

60 days

Validity

90 days

The X1 visa is issued to foreign nationals admitted to study in mainland China for more than 180 days, such as degree students and long-term language programmes. The applicant must hold an admission notice from a Chinese educational institution and a JW201 or JW202 visa-application form for studying in China (for higher education) or, for primary/secondary pupils, a student confirmation form. The X1 visa is single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the student must register and convert to a study-type residence permit (issued for the study period and renewable, up to multiple years). The study-residence period can count partly toward later residence-based eligibility. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.

• Study: Full-time study at the admitting institution.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

30 days

Validity

90 days

The X2 visa is issued to foreign nationals studying in mainland China for not more than 180 days, typically short language courses, exchange semesters or summer programmes. It requires an admission notice from the Chinese educational institution and, where applicable, a DQ information form. Unlike the X1 visa, the X2 does not require conversion to a residence permit; the holder studies for the visa's stated duration and then departs. It does not lead to a residence permit or permanent residence. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.

• Study: Short-term study up to 180 days.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

180 days

Validity

180 days

The F visa is issued to foreign nationals invited to mainland China for non-commercial exchanges, visits, study tours, academic or cultural activities and similar purposes. It is distinct from the M business visa (which covers commercial and trade activities) and from study visas (X1/X2 for enrolled students). The visa requires an invitation letter from a relevant Chinese entity or individual following the standard format. Entries, validity and duration of stay vary by reciprocity and the activity; the F visa is a short- to medium-stay visa and does not authorise paid employment or lead to permanent residence. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

180 days

Validity

90 days

The Z visa is issued to foreign nationals taking up paid employment in mainland China. Before applying, the Chinese employer must obtain a Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit from the local authorities on the applicant's behalf. The Z visa is typically single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; the holder must enter China and, within 30 days of arrival, register and convert the visa into a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit (issued for 1 to 5 years and renewable). The work-residence track can count toward permanent-residence eligibility for senior personnel. China classifies foreign workers into Category A (high-end talent), Category B (professionals) and Category C (other), which affects the work-permit assessment. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.

• Work: Employment authorised for the sponsoring employer once the work permit and residence permit are issued.
• Residency after 4 years
• Family: Family members apply for S1/S2 visas based on the worker's status.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

30 days

Validity

90 days

China does not operate a fast-track 'golden visa', but permanent residence is available through the investment category of the Foreigner's Permanent Residence regime. Applicants must have made direct and stable investment in China with good tax-payment records for 3 consecutive years. Regional thresholds apply: at least USD 500,000 in western or poorer designated areas, USD 1,000,000 in central China, or USD 2,000,000 in eastern/coastal regions (the minimum, USD 500,000, is shown here). On approval the applicant receives the D visa abroad and, after entering China, the Foreigner's Permanent Resident ID Card, valid 10 years and renewable. Applications are filed in China with the Exit-Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau and adjudicated by the National Immigration Administration; processing commonly takes 6 to 12 months. The investor's spouse and unmarried children under 18 may be included under the family category.

• Work: Permanent residents may live and work in China without a separate work permit.
• Study: Full access to study and public services.
• Residency: This route confers permanent residence directly; the card is valid 10 years and renewable.
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 18 may be included under the family category.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Validity

3,650 days

Min. investment

$500,000,000

The Q1 visa is issued to foreign family members of Chinese citizens, or of foreigners holding Chinese permanent residence, who intend to reside in China for family reunion for more than 180 days, and to foreigners coming for foster-care purposes. Eligible relationships include spouses, parents, children, parents-in-law, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren. The Q1 visa is single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the holder must register and convert to a family-reunion residence permit (issued and renewable for the period of reunion). The core documents are an invitation letter from the Chinese citizen or permanent resident, a copy of the inviter's ID (front and back), and original kinship proof such as a marriage or birth certificate. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.

• Study: Resident family members may enrol in study subject to institution rules.
• Residency after 5 years
• Family: Granted on the basis of the family relationship with the Chinese citizen or PR holder.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

30 days

Validity

90 days

The S1 visa is issued to family members of foreign nationals who are working or studying in mainland China and who intend to stay for more than 180 days, and to those coming for other private affairs of long duration. Eligible relatives include spouses, parents, parents-in-law, and children under 18. The S1 visa is single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the holder must register and apply for a family-type residence permit within 30 days (issued and renewable for the period of stay). The core documents are an invitation letter from the resident foreigner, a copy of the inviter's passport bio-page and residence permit, and original kinship proof. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.

• Study: Dependent children may enrol in school subject to local rules.
• Family: Issued on the basis of the relationship to the resident foreigner.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

30 days

Validity

90 days

The S2 visa is issued to family members of foreign nationals working or studying in mainland China for short visits of not more than 180 days, and for other short-term private matters. It is the short-stay counterpart of the S1 visa and does not require conversion to a residence permit. The category of eligible relatives is broader than S1, covering spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents and other relatives. Multiple-entry S2 visas valid for several years are available to nationals of reciprocity countries, and S2 is commonly the accompanying visa for family of R-visa talent. The core documents are an invitation from the resident foreigner, the inviter's passport and residence documents, and a photocopy of kinship proof. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.

• Family: Issued on the basis of kinship with the resident foreigner.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

180 days

Validity

180 days

The Q2 visa is issued to foreign nationals visiting relatives who are Chinese citizens, or foreigners holding Chinese permanent residence, for stays of not more than 180 days. It is the short-stay counterpart of the Q1 family-reunion visa and does not require conversion to a residence permit. Multiple-entry Q2 visas valid for several years are available to nationals of reciprocity countries. The core documents are an invitation letter from the Chinese citizen or permanent resident, a copy of the inviter's ID, and a photocopy of kinship proof. The Q2 does not lead to a residence permit or permanent residence. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.

• Family: Issued on the basis of kinship with the Chinese relative.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

180 days

Validity

180 days

The R visa is issued to high-level foreign talent and to specialists whose skills are urgently needed in China. Typical qualifying groups include individuals selected under national talent programmes, internationally recognised achievers (for example, professors and associate professors at the world's top-ranked universities), and senior personnel at major enterprises. The R visa is usually granted as a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 or 10 years, with a duration of stay of up to 180 days per entry. To take up employment, holders convert to a Foreigner's Work Permit (Category A high-end talent) and a residence permit after arrival, through their host institution. Spouses and minor children can generally obtain accompanying visas (most often S2) with matching validity. The core supporting document is a Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talent issued by the Chinese authorities. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.

• Work: Employment permitted after conversion to a Category A work permit and residence permit.
• Study: Academic and research activity permitted within the talent role.
• Residency after 4 years
• Family: Spouse and minor children may obtain accompanying S2 visas with matching validity.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

180 days

Validity

3,650 days

The K visa is a new ordinary-visa category established by the State Council, effective 1 October 2025, to attract young foreign science and technology talent. It is aimed at young STEM graduates (bachelor's degree or higher) from recognised universities or research institutions, and young professionals engaged in relevant teaching or research, subject to age, education and experience requirements set by the Chinese authorities. Its distinctive feature is that, unlike the Z work visa, no domestic employer or invitation letter is required up front, and the process is streamlined. Holders may engage in exchanges in education, culture, science and technology, and in entrepreneurial and business activities, with greater flexibility in number of entries, validity and duration of stay than other categories. Detailed eligibility thresholds, validity and the document list are set by the competent authorities and were still being finalised after launch, so specific figures should be confirmed with the consulate.

• Work: Permits education, science-and-technology exchange, entrepreneurial and business activities; specific employment rules set by authorities.
• Study: Educational and academic exchange activities are permitted.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

The J1 visa is issued to foreign resident correspondents of overseas news organisations who are posted to mainland China for more than 180 days. Applications must follow the requirements of the competent authority (the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its accreditation procedures), with a press card and the news organisation's documents. The J1 visa is valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the journalist registers and converts to a journalist-type residence permit, renewable for the duration of the posting. The fee shown (USD 171) is the US-citizen rate for J visas; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates. Work as a journalist requires this category and prior approval; tourist and business visas do not permit reporting.

• Work: Authorised to work as an accredited resident correspondent for the sponsoring organisation.
• Family: Family members apply for S1/S2 visas based on the journalist's posting.

Government fee

$171

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

30 days

Validity

90 days

The J2 visa is issued to foreign journalists travelling to mainland China for short-term news coverage of not more than 180 days. Applications follow the requirements of the competent authority (the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), with a press card and the news organisation's supporting documents. Unlike the J1 visa, the J2 does not require conversion to a residence permit. The fee shown (USD 171) is the US-citizen rate for J visas; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates. News reporting requires this category and prior approval.

• Work: Authorised for short-term news coverage with prior approval.

Government fee

$171

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

180 days

Validity

180 days

The D visa is issued to foreigners approved to reside in mainland China permanently. In practice an applicant first obtains, in China, a Confirmation Form for Foreigner's Permanent Residence Status, then collects the D visa abroad and enters to receive the Foreigner's Permanent Resident ID Card. The National Immigration Administration grants permanent residence under defined categories: (1) direct, stable investment with good tax records for 3 consecutive years (regional thresholds: at least USD 500,000 in western/poorer areas, USD 1,000,000 in central China, USD 2,000,000 in eastern/coastal areas; the minimum is shown here); (2) holding a senior post (e.g. deputy general manager / associate professor and above) or equivalent salary for at least 4 consecutive years with at least 3 years' residence in China and good tax records; (3) making significant and outstanding contributions to China; or (4) being the spouse (5-year marriage with at least 9 months' residence each year, plus stable income and housing), an unmarried child under 18, or a dependent elderly relative of an eligible applicant. Applications are filed in China with the Exit-Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau and adjudicated by the NIA; the permanent-resident card is valid for 10 years and renewable. Government fees are about CNY 1,500 (application) plus CNY 300 (card); the visa fee shown is the US-citizen consular rate.

• Work: Permanent residents may live and work in China without a separate work permit.
• Study: Full access to study and public services as a permanent resident.
• Residency: This is the permanent-residence status itself; the ID card is valid 10 years and renewable.
• Family: Spouse (5-year marriage), unmarried children under 18 and dependent elderly relatives may be included under the family category.

Government fee

$140

Processing time

4 days

Validity

3,650 days

Min. investment

$500,000,000